Pitcher Scott Baker asks Mariners for release

Starting rotation hopeful Scott Baker has asked for and been granted his release from the Mariners, Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDish.com reported Monday afternoon.

Baker, 32, signed a minor-league contract this offseason with Seattle, but he struggled throughout spring training. He posted a 6.75 ERA and 1.92 WHIP in 12 innings, walked seven batters, hit three, and struck out just one.

The veteran right-hander won 15 games for the Minnesota Twins in 2009, but he made just three appearances for the Cubs in 2013 due to an elbow injury.

The departure of Baker opens up the possibility for either rookie Roenis Elias or veteran Randy Wolf – both left-handers – to make the Mariners’ starting rotation to open the regular season.